Chiropractic is a drug-free, hands-on approach to treating disorders that affect the neuromuscular-skeletal systems of the body. This mode of care is appropriate for anyone who suffers from the following:
- joint hypo-mobility
- stiffening and loss of range of joint motion
- pain due to inflammation
- contusions
- other blunt trauma like whip-lash injuries
- repetitive-motion/overuse injuries
- spinal misalignment (which can affects gait, posture, and muscle strength)
Thus, chiropractic care can be applied not singularly to the spine, but also to one’s extremity and pelvic joints.
The chiropractic adjustment is also termed ‘manipulation’, and is achieved by manually applying a controlled force into joints that are hypo-mobile as a result of the tissue injury. There is rarely pain with an adjustment unless you have edema, or swelling and inflammation, over the target joint, in which case any pressure may cause tenderness. There may be soreness the following day however, as the adjustment, similar to massage in this way, breaks down adhesions and protein fiber that limit your joint mobility.
A break-down/rebuilding/healing response ensures in the areas treated, very much like one’s body response to exercise training. Generally speaking, one should feel better immediately following an adjustment, with improved range of motion and reduced pain in the target area, although more severe conditions may require subsequent adjustments. Many patients also choose to continue chiropractic care even after resolving an injury for the sake of injury prevention and overall healthy living.
Chiropractic care follows a thorough physical examination, using appropriate x-rays when necessary to assist in determining the best course of action. Chiropractors will also readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.